VTech V-Motion Gaming System for Kids

I admit that I'm new to the whole kid gadget thing. My daughter is almost three and can still be easily amused and/or swayed by bright shiny objects. A blinking ring from the dollar store can make her day.

When I met VTech at Blogher this summer I was skeptical and a bit in awe of all their gadgety toys for the tots age on up. Would my kid even dig a machine like this? She likes our Wii though, so why not? I tested out the new V-Motion Active Learning System (Ages 3-7 years) with her and found out a few things.

First, my kid does have an attention span longer than a gnats and two, it only really applies to video game, computer-like toys such as the V-Motion Active Learning System ($69.99). This device is fairly easy to set up. It only took about fifteen minutes and the whole time she was clamoring for it. The chunky box and bright colors really work their magic and entice the little ones. I loved how the remote was large and easy to use. The buttons are not hard to press and the joy stick moves around nicely. The games teach skills in math, spelling, reading and science. It is designed to keep your kid active while playing too. It not only stimulates their brain but their body as well. My daughter stayed engaged as she played the Dora the Explorer balancing game for way longer than I thought possible. While it took her a bit to figure out how the whole thing worked, I was amazed at how fast she navigated the games and device as a whole. Then again she knows how to work the DVD player and can pause the television now. The V-Motion Active Learning System is simply wireless, action-required, motion-activated play done right.

The only drawback I saw to it was that while my kid did not notice or mind the graphics on the screen my husband was dismayed at the quality. He likened it to old Atari trying to look like a Wii game. Maybe, but the bright colors on the screen and familiar characters were all that mattered to my child. Also, the fact that a USB cord is not included with the game was a bit of a drawback. However, the system is compatible with the V.Smile Smartridges library ($19.99 each) so there are a many games to choose from. Overall, it's a great system and my child loves playing it. I just have to monitor how long she plays with it.

This would make an excellent gift for a family with kids this holiday season or to surprise a child on their birthday. With that in mind, VTech has offered to giveaway a system to ONE lucky reader from this website. All you have to do is leave a comment with your email address (I need to get in touch with you!) and I'll draw a winner at random by Saturday, October 4!